CHARLES DICKENS DOMBEY AND SON CHAPTER I Dombey and ...

with surprise, interest, admiration, and an indefinable sort of fear. Then
she cried out, 'Oh, Papa, may you be happy! may you be very, very happy all
your life!' and then fell weeping on the lady's bosom.
There was a short silence. The beautiful lady, who at first had seemed to
hesitate whether or no she should advance to Florence, held her to her
breast, and pressed the hand with which she clasped her, close about her
waist, as if to reassure her and comfort her. Not one word passed the lady's
lips. She bent her head down over Florence, and she kissed her on the cheek,
but she said no word.
'Shall we go on through the rooms,' said Mr. Dombey, 'and see how our
workmen are doing? Pray allow me, my dear madam.'
He said this in offering his arm to Mrs. Skewton, who had been looking at
Florence through her glass, as though picturing to herself what she might be
made, by the fashion--from her own copious storehouse, no doubt--of a little
more Heart and Nature. Florence was still sobbing on the lady's breast, and
holding to her, when Mr. Dombey was heard to say from the Conservatory:
'Let us ask Edith. Dear me, where is she?'
'Edith, my dear!' cried Mrs. Skewton, 'where are you? Looking for Mr. Dombey
somewhere, I know. We are here, my love.'
The beautiful lady released her hold of Florence, and pressing her lips once
more upon her face, withdrew hurriedly, and joined them. Florence remained
standing in the same place: happy, sorry, joyful, and in tears, she knew not
how, or how long, but all at once: when her new Mama came back, and took her
in her arms again.
'Florence,' said the lady, hurriedly, and looking into her face with great
earnestness. 'You will not begin by hating me?'
'By hating you, Mama?' cried Florence, winding her arm round her neck, and
returning the look.